Furthermore, Heddle portrays Loftus and Carrier as uncharitably as possible. Loftus has much stronger arguments against theism than the size of the universe. Furthermore, Heddle caricatures the actual argument Loftus does make about the size of the universe. Likewise, Carrier has defended numerous arguments for atheism that have nothing to do with the historicity of Jesus.

Is it really so difficult for people to fairly and accurately represent the best arguments of their opposition?

* I am not sure if Loftus should be classified as a “professional philosopher,” but he clearly has the most formal academic training in philosophy of religion and apologetics out of the individuals in Heddle’s list.